boulderstartupweek – Boulder Tech Podcast

Episode 073: Part 2 of ‘Impact Founder’s’ takeover of the BTP

Boulder Tech Podcast

Episode 073: Part 2 of 'Impact Founder's' takeover of the BTP

00:00 / 00:41:28

This episode is part of our 2020 Boulder Startup Week series. Because of the coronavirus, this year’s startup week took place virtually. We missed seeing everyone in person, but applaud the tremendous effort undertaken — mostly by volunteers — to put on the event. For more info, visit boulderstartupweek.com.

We’ve got another podcast “takeover” in this edition, with the Boulder Tech Podcast combining forces with Impact Founder, a media company, debunking the myth that entrepreneurship is sexy or easy. They tell the real stories of entrepreneurs so you don’t feel alone in your experience as a founder.

For Boulder Startup Week 2020, Impact Founder’s “founder”, Kristin Darga, speaks with founders who pivoted or launched during the COVID-19 shutdown. In this episode, she talks to two people who decided to change course so that their business could better serve their community during this critical time.

First up is Claudio Garcia, founder at Ohiya Networks.

As a customer-centric communications tool along the lines of Zoom and Slack, Ohiya Networks has been experiencing explosive growth during the coronavirus pandemic. He speaks with Impact Founder’s Kristin Darga about the recent challenges they’ve faced, and the success they’re enjoying.

Learn more at ohiyanetworks.com.

Next up, Kristin talks to Yi Shan, founder of InterMeditation, an online meditation and support community.

With people suddenly discovering they have more time on their hands, it’s no surprise that interest in meditation is spiking. InterMediation is enjoying rapid growth, with 100% of participants saying they’d recommend the site to their friends. Learn how Yi’s idea came about, and how InterMediation can improve your business — and life.

Find out more at intermeditation.com.

This has been an Impact Founder takeover of the Boulder Tech Podcast.

To listen to more stories, please visit Impactfounder.com or find them on iTunes, Stitcher and most other podcast platforms. Follow on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @impactfounder.

***

The Boulder Tech Podcast is made possible in part by Boulder StartUp Week platinum sponsors Honey, Name.com and the Downtown Boulder Partnership

We’re also supported by Glider, a Colorado-based Community movement and non-profit that produces Boulder’s Ignite and TedX events, as well as Boulder Startup Week. Learn more and consider a donation at glider.com

Our intro music is by Eccodek. Hear more at eccodek.com (that’s E-c-c-o-d-e-k).

Our outro music is by EarthRise SoundSystem. You’ll find them at earthrisesoundsystem.com.

The Boulder Tech Podcast is produced by me, Joel Davis. Your feedback, criticisms, comments and guest suggestions are welcome. Reach me at joel@dojo4.com.

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you back here for the next episode of the Boulder Tech Podcast.

Episode 072: ‘Impact Founder’ takes over the BTP to talk pivoting in this time of virus

Boulder Tech Podcast

Episode 072: 'Impact Founder' takes over the BTP to talk pivoting in this time of virus

00:00 / 00:38:46

This episode is part of our 2020 Boulder Startup Week series. Because of the coronavirus, this year’s startup week takes place virtually. We won’t be doing as many interview as we have the past two years, and will miss seeing everyone in person, but look forward to catching as many of the online sessions as we can. For more info and a full schedule, visit boulderstartupweek.com.

We’ve got another podcast “takeover” in this edition, with the Boulder Tech Podcast combining forces with Impact Founder, a media company debunking the myth that entrepreneurship is sexy or easy. They tell the real stories of entrepreneurs so you don’t feel alone in your experience as a founder.

For Boulder Startup Week 2020, Impact Founder’s founder, Kristin Darga, speaks with founders who pivoted or launched during the COVID-19 shutdown. In this episode, she speaks with two people who decided to change course so that their business could better serve their community during this critical time.

Our first guest is Rebecca Cranston, CFO of Amairify and Managing Partner of Four Corners Clean, a disinfecting service she started in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

They have been hard at work throughout the southwest and most notably in the Navajo Nation, spraying in the highest-risk community, residential, and tribal government spaces, where rates of infection have not stabilized and death rates are among the highest in the world.

And if starting one company wasn’t enough, the interest in Four Corners Clean led Rebecca to launch Amairify, a distribution company created to help provide disinfecting services nationally.

Learn more at fourcornersclean.com.

Then, Kristin talks to Tommy Riley, Co-Founder of Handoff, a chat- and voice-based alcohol recommendation and delivery platform.

When the coronavirus led to Colorado locking down in mid-March, Handoff took a tremendous risk to pivot and help Colorado breweries who do not have a retail presence. Their focus on local product has helped liquor stores, brewers and distillers across the state to remain afloat during a difficult time.

Find out more and download the app at handofftech.com.

To listen to more founder stories, please visit Impactfounder.com or find them on iTunes, Stitcher and most other podcast platforms. Follow on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @impactfounder.

***

The Boulder Tech Podcast is made possible in part by Boulder StartUp Week platinum sponsors Honey, Name.com and the Downtown Boulder Partnership

Our intro music is by Eccodek. Hear more at eccodek.com (that’s E-c-c-o-d-e-k).

Our outro music is by EarthRise SoundSystem. You’ll find them at earthrisesoundsystem.com

The Boulder Tech Podcast is produced by me, Joel Davis. Your feedback, criticisms, comments and guest suggestions are welcome. Reach me at joel@dojo4.com.

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you back here for the next episode of the Boulder Tech Podcast.

Episode 071: ‘Creative Distillation’ podcast takes over BTP to talk CU + Boulder

Boulder Tech Podcast

Episode 071: 'Creative Distillation' podcast takes over BTP to talk CU + Boulder

00:00 / 00:48:38

This episode is part of our 2020 Boulder Startup Week series. Because of the coronavirus, this year’s startup week takes place virtually. We won’t be doing as many interviews as we have the past two years, and will miss seeing everyone in person, but look forward to catching as many of the online sessions as we can. For more info and a full schedule, visit boulderstartupweek.com.

On today’s program, the Boulder Tech Podcast is being taken over by Creative Distillation, a podcast I produce for the Deming Center at the University of Colorado’s Leeds School of Business. As CU is a sponsor of Boulder Startup Week, I wanted to speak with someone from the school about their ties to the Boulder startup scene, but then figured, “why not let CU talk to CU about the school’s relationship with the local business community?”

And that’s why Creative Distillation hosts Jeff York and Brad Werner handle interview duties on today’s BTP, as they speak with Erick Mueller, Executive Director of the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship at CU’s Leeds School of Business.

Learn more at colorado.edu/business/deming and subscribe to Creative Distillation via your favorite podcast provider.

***

The Boulder Tech Podcast is made possible in part by Boulder StartUp Week platinum sponsors Honey, Name.com and the Downtown Boulder Partnership.

Our intro music is by Eccodek. Hear more at eccodek.com (that’s E-c-c-o-d-e-k).

Our outro music is by EarthRise SoundSystem. You’ll find them at earthrisesoundsystem.com

The Boulder Tech Podcast is produced by Joel Davis. Your feedback, criticisms, comments and guest suggestions are welcome. Reach us at joel@dojo4.com.

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you back here for the next episode of the Boulder Tech Podcast.

Episode 070: Dave Mayer, Founder/CEO, Technical Integrity

Boulder Tech Podcast

Episode 070: Dave Mayer, Founder/CEO, Technical Integrity

00:00 / 00:39:48

This is our first episode for 2020’s Boulder Startup Week. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s startup week will, like most events these days, take place virtually. We won’t be doing as many interviews as we have the past two years, and will miss seeing everyone in person, but look forward to catching as many of the online sessions as we can. For more info and a full schedule, visit boulderstartupweek.com.

Our guest today is Dave Mayer, Founder and CEO at Technical Integrity. We talk about:

recruitment for startups
how the notoriously grinding startup lifestyle is changing
founders and mental health
the impact of COVID-19 on, well, everything.

Follow Dave on Twitter @tintegrity.

Here are some additional resources and info, referenced in our discussion:

Interview tips for female job seekers
Technical Integrity’s commitment to diversity and inclusion
Video of Brad Feld mental health panel
Resources for job seekers and more
Resources for employers and job seekers
Testimonials about Techical Integrity

***

The Boulder Tech Podcast is made possible in part by Boulder StartUp Week platinum sponsors Honey, Name.com and the Downtown Boulder Partnership.

Our intro music is by Eccodek. Hear more at eccodek.com (that’s E-c-c-o-d-e-k).

Our outro music is by EarthRise SoundSystem. You’ll find them at earthrisesoundsystem.com

The Boulder Tech Podcast is produced by Joel Davis. Your feedback, criticisms, comments and guest suggestions are welcome. Reach us at joel@dojo4.com.

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you back here for the next episode of the Boulder Tech Podcast.

Episode 069-CV06: Chip, CEO, Downtown Boulder Partnership

Boulder Tech Podcast

Episode 069-CV06: Chip, CEO, Downtown Boulder Partnership

00:00 / 00:46:26

This episode is part of our continuing COVID19 coverage — and begins our run-up to Boulder Startup Week, taking place May 11-15th. Like most gatherings these days, we’re going virtual in 2020. Find details at boulderstartupweek.com.

Today, I speak with Chip, CEO of the Downtown Boulder Partnership. We discuss what the Partnership is doing to support downtown businesses — and their employees — in this time of virus, and get into some of the questions about what we might expect to see as things begin to loosen up in Colorado and beyond. Chip and I spoke via Zoom on April 22nd.

Follow the Downtown Boulder Partnership on Twitter @downtownboulder.

***

The Boulder Tech Podcast is made possible in part by Glider, a Colorado-based Community movement and non-profit that produces Boulder’s Ignite and TedX events, as well as Boulder Startup Week. Learn more and consider a donation at glider.com

The Boulder Tech Podcast is produced by Joel Davis. Your feedback, criticisms, comments and guest suggestions are welcome. If you or your company or organization have switched your focus to helping solve the many problems arising from the Coronavirus pandemic, and you’d like to come on the podcast to talk about it, reach me at joel@dojo4.com or DM me on Twitter @bouldertechcast.

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you back here for the next episode of the Boulder Tech Podcast.

Episode 056: Sarah Bates, Co-Founder & CEO, MamaMend

Boulder Tech Podcast

Episode 056: Sarah Bates, Co-Founder & CEO, MamaMend

00:00 / 00:20:50

This is the last — but definitely not least — of 20 interviews recorded in a popup backroom studio at dojo4 during the 10th annual Boulder Startup Week. Thanks to all the guests for their time and patience, and to all of you, for listening.

Our guest for Episode 56 is Sara Bates, co-founder and CEO at MamaMend, a personalized, evidence-based guide to childbirth recovery and postpartum health.

Sara and I talk tech and birthing, and touch on:

how she employs data and empathy to solve problems
her journey from her time on Wall Street to founder of an app for postpartum moms
the dichotomy and balance between data and intuition when it comes to raising a new child
thoughts on being a founder, a woman and a mom in the tech industry

Follow Sara on Twitter @data_bates.

***

The Boulder Tech Podcast is made possible in part by Boulder StartUp Week platinum sponsors Honey, Matter and Zayo.

Thanks to dojo4 for providing space for our podcast studio, and to KGNU Community Radio for recording gear and studio usage.

Our intro music is by Eccodek. Hear more at eccodek .com.

Our outro music is by EarthRise SoundSystem. You’ll find them at earthrisesoundsystem.com

The Boulder Tech Podcast is produced by me, Joel Davis. Your feedback, criticisms, comments and guest suggestions are welcome. Reach me at joel@dojo4.com

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you back here for the next episode of the Boulder Tech Podcast.

Episode 055: Ef Rodriquez, Pugnacious Digital Marketer/Sabbatical Savant

Boulder Tech Podcast

Episode 055: Ef Rodriquez, Pugnacious Digital Marketer/Sabbatical Savant

00:00 / 00:35:01

Our guest for Episode #55 is Ef Rodriguez. Among many things, he’s heavily involved with Ignite Boulder, TEDx Boulder and Boulder StartupWeek.

Ef and I enjoy a lively and free-flowing conversation touching on a number of subjects, including:

what brought him back to Boulder after 7 years living and working in a number of far flung locations
why brands need to focus on the problem, not the product
things we don’t see in Boulder but would like to
why you may be listening to podcasts at the wrong speed

Follow Ef on Twitter @pug.

***

The Boulder Tech Podcast is made possible in part by Boulder StartUp Week platinum sponsors Honey, Matter and Zayo.

Thanks to dojo4 for providing space for our podcast studio, and to KGNU Community Radio for recording gear and studio usage.

Our intro music is by Eccodek. Hear more at eccodek .com.

Our outro music is by EarthRise SoundSystem. You’ll find them at earthrisesoundsystem.com

The Boulder Tech Podcast is produced by me, Joel Davis. Your feedback, criticisms, comments and guest suggestions are welcome. Reach me at joel@dojo4.com

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you back here for the next episode of the Boulder Tech Podcast.

Episode 054: Jeremy Frazao, VP of Engineering, Recurly

Boulder Tech Podcast

Episode 054: Jeremy Frazao, VP of Engineering, Recurly

00:00 / 00:31:30

Our guest for Episode 54 is Jeremy Frazao, VP of Engineering at Recurly, a subscription management platform specializing in collecting recurring payments.

Jeremy and I discuss:

why it’s a good thing that most people have no idea that Recurly even exists
the key difference he’s noticed between the San Francisco and Boulder tech communities
how Recurly’s values are reflected in its corporate community and by Boulder in general
and how he became known as the Steve Jobs of Boulder

All of that and more, as the Boulder Tech Podcast speaks with Recurly’s Jeremy Frazao. Follow Recurly on Twitter @Recurly

The Boulder Tech Podcast is made possible in part by Boulder StartUp Week platinum sponsors Honey, Matter and Zayo.

Thanks to dojo4 for providing space for our podcast studio, and to KGNU Community Radio for recording gear and studio usage.

Our intro music is by Eccodek. Hear more at eccodek .com.

Our outro music is by EarthRise SoundSystem. You’ll find them at earthrisesoundsystem.com

The Boulder Tech Podcast is produced by me, Joel Davis. Your feedback, criticisms, comments and guest suggestions are welcome. Reach me at joel@dojo4.com

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you back here for the next episode of the Boulder Tech Podcast.

Episode 053: Jack Morrison, Co-Founder & CEO, Scythe Robotics

Boulder Tech Podcast

Episode 053: Jack Morrison, Co-Founder & CEO, Scythe Robotics

00:00 / 00:26:17

Our guest for Episode 53 is Jack Morrison, Co–Founder & CEO at Scythe Robotics. They build highly-intelligent, autonomous robots to tackle challenges in unstructured outdoor environments.

Among a number of topics, Jack and I get into:

the difference between robotics and artificial intelligence
why we should not be worried about the robots and AI taking over (anytime soon, anyway)
the state of the Front Range robotics industry
and why it’s going to be awhile before we all have Jetsons-style robots roaming in our homes — and playing on our soccer fields

Follow Scythe Robotics on Twitter @ScytheRobotics.

***

The Boulder Tech Podcast is made possible in part by Boulder StartUp Week platinum sponsors Honey, Matter and Zayo.

Thanks to dojo4 for providing space for our podcast studio, and to KGNU Community Radio for recording gear and studio usage.

Our intro music is by Eccodek. Hear more at eccodek .com.

Our outro music is by EarthRise SoundSystem. You’ll find them at earthrisesoundsystem.com

The Boulder Tech Podcast is produced by me, Joel Davis. Your feedback, criticisms, comments and guest suggestions are welcome. Reach me at joel@dojo4.com

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you back here for the next episode of the Boulder Tech Podcast.

Episode 052: Rami Sahhar, Founder & CEO, CliqueMJ

Boulder Tech Podcast

Episode 052: Rami Sahhar, Founder & CEO, CliqueMJ

00:00 / 00:18:13

Our guest for Episode 52 is Rami Sahhar, Founder & CEO at CliqueMJ, a loyalty program platform created specifically for the cannabis retail sector.

Rami and I talk many things cannabiz, including:

why consumers should feel secure in sharing their info with platforms such as ClickMJ
the stiff competition in the marijuana marketing biz and what sets CliqueMJ apart
differences between the California and Colorado MJ cannabis industries
and how a construction business development specialist wound up in the pot industry — and what brought him to Boulder

Follow CliqueMJ on Twitter @Clique_MJ.

***

The Boulder Tech Podcast is made possible in part by Boulder StartUp Week platinum sponsors Honey, Matter and Zayo.

Thanks to dojo4 for providing space for our podcast studio, and to KGNU Community Radio for recording gear and studio usage.

Our intro music is by Eccodek. Hear more at eccodek .com (that’s E-c-c-o-d-e-k).

Our outro music is by EarthRise SoundSystem. You’ll find them at earthrisesoundsystem.com

The Boulder Tech Podcast is produced by me, Joel Davis. Your feedback, criticisms, comments and guest suggestions are welcome. Reach me at joel@dojo4.com

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you back here for the next episode of the Boulder Tech Podcast.